It has a dual boiler, steam pressure consistency, you can plumb it or use the reservoir, and it’s quiet.

​For these reasons, I assume it was designed for home-baristas with taste, or, for small cafes.​​

Unless you are going down deeper into the rabbit hole of barista-style coffee at home (and it’s a long, dark hole some days – let me tell you), this is a great machine - especially for the price.

As a semi-automatic, it is a bit easier for the newer members of the cafe-quality-coffee-at-home tribe, while still offering the opportunity for those with more knowledge to dig in deeper to the features and controls.

Plus, you get many of the features that you find in much more expensive models.

Things to Know Before You Buy

For an espresso machine of this quality, that is reasonable, but let’s be real here. Reasonable is relative in this caffeine-obsessed world that you and I live in.

$3000 is still a lot of coin to drop on a coffee maker – no matter how spectacular it is.

I know that for me, buying an espresso maker is an aspirational purchase. I stretch my abilities, my budget and my partner’s patience when it’s time to upgrade.

It’s Popular...For The Right Reasons

The R 58 is a popular machine.

This may be because of its price point, which is significantly less than other machines with similar capabilities - that run somewhere around the $3,500 - $5000 mark.

Maybe it is because it falls into that sweet spot of being a semi-automatic that isn’t technically overwhelming, yet still gives you quality espresso at home (without having to hook up with a barista… not that I’ve ever done that just to get a good cup of coffee at home…).

It’s Stylish and Quiet

Made in Italy, this machine has a stainless steel finish and its sleek design makes it looks like a much higher-priced product.

This is important in my world. I get up early and the first thing I do is make coffee.

For me, the ability to NOT wake up the rest of the house is a requirement in an espresso machine.

Not To Big, Not To Small...Just Right

This isn’t a huge machine, but it ain’t small.

If you are in a 500 square foot condo in New York, Vancouver, Sydney or Paris… this machine is going to overwhelm your kitchen… hell – your whole apartment!

You need some space for it. And it’s pretty enough that you’ll want it to have a prime spot in your kitchen.

It’s Got Some Higher-End Features

This machine punches above its weight when it comes to what it can do, including that it has some features similar to its more expensive sibling, the R60v.

Things like a dual boiler and consistency of steam pressure (which translates into that smooth milk texture that makes for a great latte) and the ability to plumb this in or use the reservoir might not seem world-changing, but they could be decision-making.

Unable to Commit?

If the Rocket R 58 still haven't convinced you yet, go take a look at the other options!

You may want to consider the Profitec 700 instead or the Rocket R 60V. Read through our comparisons here:

The Profitec 700

While I think the R58 is a kick-ass machine for the price, maybe it lacks something important to you. You do have choices.

The Profitec 700 is one of those choices.

At about the same price ($3,500), comparing the rocket r58 vs profitec 700 is tough to do.

There are small differences, of course – but they are both good machines that would make a great addition to any home. The Profitec has a shot timer, which is a nice feature that the R58 is lacking.

I prefer the look of the R58 and am a Rocket fan.

I have a few coffee buddies who say that the Profitec 700 is a bit better quality overall, but I’m not convinced. When pushed, they admit that they know the brand better, so they prefer it.

I’d choose the R58.

For this comparison, it really comes down to what you like. You should check out the Profitec 700 though. You can find it h​​ere.

The Rocket R 60V

Another contender is the Rocket espresso R 60V.

It’s a beauty and a bit higher in price at approximately $5,500.

This machine is wired up and you can control it with an app (which is pretty freakin’ great in my books), but there’s a cost to that.

If my budget allowed it, I would buy the R60v, but – at about $2,000 cheaper, all that the R58 is missing are the bells and whistles of the R60.

The Verdict

Here’s the deal – the Rocket espresso R58 is a fine machine that any kitchen would be proud to host. If you use it right, it will serve you well for a long, long time.

It’s a sweet machine and it has some great features. With this machine, you will be able to make café quality espresso at home.

Think… no going out in the rain, the snow, when you can’t find your pants (or don’t feel like putting them on)… no smiling at people if you don’t want to, no lining up… no worrying if the barista washed their hands when they took their bathroom break … all of it gone forever.

Alex

Alex is the Founder and Editor of Homegrounds.co. He is passionate about brewing amazing coffee at home, and teaching others to do the same.

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